Coil winding machine



l0 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 16, 1951 n. E HOOKER con. wmnmc; MACHINE FiledMaren 22, 1945 QN. w hm. uw

Oct. 16, 1951 Fiied laren 22. 1945 COIL WINDING MACHINE 10 Sheets-sheet2 umn mun-I Oct. 16, 1951 D. E. HooKER 2,571,243

COIL WINDING CHINE Filed latch 22, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct. 16, 1951D. E. HOOKER 2,571,243

COIL WINDING MACHINE Filed March 22, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Oct. 16,1951 i D. E. HOOKER 2,571,243

COIL WINDING MACHINE Filed March 22, 1945 1o Smets-sheet 5 mmm" Oct. 16,1951 D. E. HOOKER 2,571,243

COIL WINDING MACHINE Filed March 22, 1945 lO Sheets-Sheet 6 L L @5557erOct. 16, 1951 D, E, HQOKER 2,571,243

' con. WINDING MACHINE Filed March 22, 1945 1o sheets-sheet 7 Oct. 16,1951 D. E. HooKER COIL WINDING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed March 22,1945 Oct. 16, 1951 D. E. HooKER 2,571,243

COIL WINDING MACHINE Filed March 22, 1945 l0 Sheets-Sheet 9 Oct. 16,1951 D. E. HOOKER 2,571,243

con. wINnING MACHINE Filed March 224, 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 PatentedOct. 16, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COIL WINDIN G MACHINE DonaldE. Hooker, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Lion Manufacturing Corporation,Chicago, Ill., a corporation ol Illinois Application March 22, 1945,Serial No. 584,078

15 Claims'. l

The present invention relates in general to winding and reeling flexiblematerial, and has more particular reference to means for and methods ofwinding exible 'material on tubes, spools, mandrels and the like.

An important object of the invention is to provide for the winding offlexible material, such as wire, on suitable support means, such asspools, tubes and the like, at a high rate of speed, to thereby produceelectrical coils at low cost; a further object being to provide for thewinding of relatively weak iilamentary material at a high rate of speed,whereby electrical coils composed of fine gauge wire may be producedrapidly and efficiently, with the wire positioned accurately in thefinished coil both as to spacement of the adjacent coil turns and thenumber of turns in a wound coil layer.

Another important object is to provide means for delivering flexiblematerial for winding at all times under substantially uniform tensionregardless of winding speed or variations in the winding speed; afurther object being to provide delivery means capable of retracting orrewinding the flexible material, under predetermined uniform tension, inthe event that the winding operation be reversed either accidentally orintentionally, the foregoing feature being valuable in a coil windingmachine wherein the facility forunwinding acoil, rapidly and to anydesired extent, is extremely useful in allowing for the correction ofdefects or winding errors noted during the fabrication'of the coil.

Another important object is to provide delivery mechanism having meansfor regulating the linear speed of flexible material delivered from amotor driven supply spool; a further object being to provide an improvedwire delivery mechanism including a motor driven supply spool adapted tofeed wire therefrom and to rewind wire thereon under substantiallyconstant tension, thereby to eliminate breakage of the wire and to keepthe wire sufficiently taut, at all times, to insure even winding and toprevent snarling or tangling of the wire either during delivery or whilerewinding.

Another object is to provide anti-hunting control means for the deliverymechanism so that the same may perform its delivery function in asmooth. uniform manner without constantly searching for the properdelivery speed in response to slight variations in operating conditionsof the apparatus. l

Another important object is to provide a coil winding machine forapplying wire or similar flexible material, in layers, on a spool or thelike, including means uniformly and automatically increasing anddecreasing winding speed respectively at the beginning and at the end ofa layer winding cycle, whereby the major portion of the layer may bewound at maximum speed while avoiding breakage of the flexible materialespecially during the initial and terminal portions of the layer windingoperation.

Another important object is to provide,y in a high speed windingmachine, means for accurately determining the number of turns applied bythe machine in forming a wound layer; a further object being to providemeans whereby the machine may be inched during its layer winding cyclein order to apply an exact number of turns .in a wound layer. Y

Another object is to provide a winding machine for winding a pluralityof coils upon a common winding mandrel, the number of coils that may bewound simultaneously in machines embodying the present invention beinglimited only by the number of winding stations in a particular machine,and the capacity of the power plant which drives the same.

Another object is the provision. in a multiple coil winding machine, ofa sectional mandrel adapted to support one or more winding spools ortubes on each section, the several sections being demountable to permitinitial assembly of the spools on, and final removal thereof from themandrel at the conclusion of the winding operation.

Another object is to provide a winding machine having a driven mandreland including motor driven delivery means for feeding flexible workmaterial under uniform tension to the mandrel for winding thereon, andincluding feed means operable to apply the flexible material in adjacentcoils progressively upon the mandrel as a part of the winding operation,the delivery means and the mandrel being driven in one direction to windthe flexible material on the mandrel and being reversible to unwind thematerial, and the feeding means being reversible independently of thewinding mandrel and the delivery means, whereby the flexible materialmay be wound upon the mandrel in layers applied successively inalternate directions.

Another object is to provide means operable automatically to regulatethe winding speed of the mandrel in proportion to the increase inwinding diameter of a coil being wound due to the application thereon ofsuccessive wound layers of the flexible work material, to the end thatarriere the linear winding speed of the work material may remainsubstantially constant.

Another object is to provide indicator means for showing, visually orotherwise, the progress of the winding operation at all times during theprogress thereof.

Another object is to provide means for stopping or otherwise disablingthe winding machine in the event that any wire of a series being woundshould break or when a delivery spool becomes empty.

The foregoing and numerous other important objects, advantages andinherent functions of the invention will become apparent and more fullyunderstood from the following description which, taken in 'connectionwith the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

Referring to the drawings;

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of apparatus embodying the presentinvention;

Fig. 2 is an end view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 inFig. l;

Fig. 4 is an end View of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5 5 inFig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in Fig. 1;

Fig. "I is a view taken along line 'i-l in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig.1;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a demountable mandrel forming a part ofthe structure shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a top plan View of driving mechanism for the machine shown inFig. 1;

Fig. l2 is a front View of the mechanism shown in Fig. 11;

Figs. 13 and 14 are views respectively taken along lines l3-l3 andIi-lil in Fig. 11;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 13;

Figs. 16 and 17 are sectional views taken respectively along lines l6-l6and il-l'l in Figs. 15 and 16;

Figs. 18 and 19 are, respectively, back and side views of an indicatorand speed regulator forming part of the device shown in Fig. 1; and

Figs. 20, 21 and 22 are electrical diagrams.

To illustrate the present invention, I have shown on the drawingswinding apparatus comprising mandrel means 33 on which flexible workmaterial, such as wire 55, may be wound, motive means 35 for turning themandrel in one direction to wind the work material on the mandrel and inthe reverse direction to unwind work material from the mandrel, traversemeans lll for guiding the work material onto the mandrel andprogressively along the same, the traverse means being reversible tooperate in either direction, and delivery means for feeding the workmaterial to and for withdrawing material from the mandrel at a variablerate of speed so that the material is under uniform tension regardlessof mandrel speed or direction of rotation. The apparatus is mounted on asuitable support frame Si and suitable controls for operating themechanism, including electronic apparatus for controlling the operationof the motive means 35, are of course provided, manually operable meansfor adjusting and operating the controls being con= veniently disposedon a panel 13B mounted in the frame. The winding machine preferablyembodies one or more winding stations at each of which the work materialmay be applied to the mandrel, there being shown six such winding stallltions in the machine illustrated inFig. 1 of the drawings.

In addition to the mandrel, the winding machine comprises the drivingmeans 35 including a main drive motor 37 and transmission means 39 forturning the mandrel. The traverse means li includes guides 13, therebeing a set of guides at each winding station, for applying the flexiblework material on and progressively along the mandrel. The traverse meansis reversibly driven from the motor 3l through reversing gears 65forming a part of the transmission means 39, so that the work materialmay be wound on the mandrel successively in opposite axial directions tothereby allow for the application of successive coil layers on themandrel. The reversing gears l5 are preferably actuated by a suitablereversing motor di'.

In the illustrated embodiment, the exible work material 55 is deliveredto the mandrel 33, for Winding thereon, from the delivery means 56comprising supply reels i9 driven by motors 5l. The reel driving motors5| are preferably controlled by control mechanism 53 to turn the reelsin one direction to deliver the work material to the mandrel when theprincipal driving motor 31 is driven in a direction to wind the workmaterial on the mandrel, the motors 5i being reversible by the mechanism53 to rewind the work material on the reels 69 when the mandrel turns ina direction to unwind work material from the mandrel.

The control means 53 serves to maintain a predetermined tension in theWork material at all times whether the material is traveling toward andbeing wound upon the mandrel, or whether the material is being unwoundfrom the mandrel and rewound upon the reels (l. The control means 53also incorporates means whereby the entire equipment is disabled and thewinding or unwinding operation is stopped in the event that -any of thewires or filaments of work material should break or if any of the reelsi9 should become empty during the winding operation.

Connected with the main driving motor 3l is a mechanism 57 comprising aturn counter 5S and speed regulator or adjusting means 6l operable tocontrol the speed of the driving motor 3l in proportion to the increasein winding diameter of coils being wound on the mandrel due to theapplication of successive coil layers. The speed regulator is adapted tomaintain constant the linear speed of delivery of the work material onthe mandrel by reducing the angular speed of rotation of the mandrelproportionally as the winding diameter increases.

It should be understood that the machine shown in Fig. 1 of the drawingsis arranged to wind the work material upon the mandrel in successivelayers. The winding of the initial layer preferably commences at apredetermined starting point in each winding section of the mandrel. Theseveral guide means 63, in the starting position, are each disposedopposite the starting point of the corresponding winding section of themandrel. Since the windingv operation is identical at each of theseveral Winding stations, the operation will be described at a singlestation and will apply to all stations. During the application of awound layer, the traverse means 4| causes the guides 43 to travel at auniform rate parallel to the mandrel, while the flexible material orwire 55 is delivered from the reel 49 through the tensioning mechanism53 and-the guides 43 onto the mandrel. After a layer has thus beenapplied for as many wound turns as may be desired, the direction ofmovement of the traversing means 4| may be reversed through theoperation of the reversing motor 41 and the gears 45, whereuponcontinued operation of the machine will apply a successive wound layerupon the previously wound layer, the traversing mechanism, duringwinding of the successive layer, merely causing the guide means 43 toreturn to the initial or starting point, thereby guiding the workmaterial upon the mandrel to apply a successive layer on top of thelayer previously wound. The traversing means may thus be reversed asmany times as may be necessary to apply a desired number of wound layersupon the mandrel. At the conclusion of the winding of each layer, theregulating means 6| may be adjusted to regulate the speed of rotation ofthe mandrel, and the number of turns composing a layer is shown by theindicator 59 at all times during the layer winding operation.

Control means 63 is provided on the frame 3| and on the traverse means4| for stopping the winding operation automatically at the conclusion ofthe winding of each layer, in order to prevent over-winding. The controlmeans 63 also provides for uniform acceleration lof the mechanism duringthe initial portions of a layer winding stroke of the traverse means,and for the uniform deceleration of the machine during the terminalportions of a layer winding stroke, in order that sudden strains in thework material may be avoided. The winding machine is adapted to operateat high speed during the major portion of the layer winding stroke andthe provision of means for uniformly accelerating and decelerating themachine initially and at the conclusion of the layer winding strokeinsures against breakage of the work material during such periods and isan exceedingly valuable feature, particularly where the work material isof fragile character.

Means is also provided for inching the winding machine to apply turns orfractional turns in a wound layer at slow speed to obtain a desirednumber of turns, as when making a tap connection on the coil, the numberof wound turns being indicated by the device 58.

The winding mandrel The winding mandrel 33, the details of which areshown in Fig. l0 of the drawings, may be and preferably is formed as asectional rod comprising winding sections 65 adapted to be securedtogether in end-to-end relationship in quick detachable fashion. Asshown, each winding section extends at two winding stations and each isadapted to carry spool or tube means for receiving the work material. Tothis end each section may receive thereon support tubes in end-to-endabutting relationship or may receive a single tube adapted to carry oneor more wound coils thereon. Such single tube, after the windingoperation, may be severed between the coils in order to separate thesame. The winding tubes may be mounted on the detached mandrel sections,which may then be secured together and mounted in winding position inthe machine. Obviously, any number of coils may be wound on a mandrelsection depending of course upon the size of the coils and the length ofthe winding section, and I do not necessarily limit the invention to theutilization of a sectionalized mandrel nor to a mandrel having anydefinite number of winding stations. The machine illustrated in thedrawings, in which six winding stations are shown, may be utilized withany desired number of its winding stations inactive. For example, themachine may be used with'only the first, third and fifth stations inoperation, in order to produce three long coils simultaneously, one oneach of the three mandrel sections shown. By incorporating threeadditional winding stations, including delivery units and guides, in theillustrated apparatus, three short coils could be wound on each of thethree mandrel sections. As a consequence, the machine is entirelyflexible insofar as the number of winding stations and mandrel sectionsis concerned.

The mandrel is supported on the frame 3| -in a pair of bearing pedestals61 which provide seats for demountably receiving the bearings 68. Thebearings 59 are mounted in spaced relationship upon the mandrel and areremovable from the pedestals 81 with the mandrel. At one end the mandrelis provided, as at 1|, to make driving connection with a shaft 'i3comprising a headstock and forming a part of the driving means 35 whichmeans is supported and suitably journaled on the frame 3|. The other endof the mandrel is provided with an axial cavity 15 for the reception ofa tailstock 11 suitably mounted and supported in a pedestal member 19forming a part of the frame 3|.

The mandrel may comprise two parts 16 and 18, the part 18 forming twowinding sections 65 and having a roller bearing 69 mounted centrallythereon. The opposite ends of the part 18 each have a diametral rib 8|!and a projectingr cylindrical finger 82 extending axially from thecenter of the rib. 'I'he other mandrel part 18, at one end, and also theheadstock 13 are formed each with a slot 84 and a cylindrical cavity 8'3for receiving a rib and a finger 82 of the part 16. The end of the part18 remote from the slot 84 is formed with the tailstock cavity 15; andthe part 18, near its end having the slot 84 carries a bearing 69thereon. The parts 16 and 18 may be knurled as at 88 to turningly engagewinding tubes or spools that may be placed on the parts to receive thework material.

The tailstock 11 comprises a shaft 8| having.

a head 83 at one end formed with a conical point adapted for receptionin the end cavity 15 in the mandrel. I'he head 83 is slidingly receivedin a support sleeve which is mounted in bearings 81 for rotation in thesupport pedestal 19. The head 83 is yieldingly urged, as by means of aspring 89, within the sleeve 85 in a direction normally to press thehead 83 upon the end of the mandrel when the same is in place in thebearing supports 61. The spring surrounds the shaft 8| and presses atone end on the head 83 and at the other on a shoulder formed internallyon the sleeve 85. In order to release the mandrel for removal from thebearing supports 61, the tailstock 11 may be retracted against theinfluence of the spring 89 by pulling upon a handle 8| which is fastenedto the stem 8| at the end thereof opposite from the head 83.

The feed or traverse mechanism y In Aorder to apply the work material 55progressively along the mandrel in an axial direction so that theturning of the mandrel will wind the 'work material thereon in adjacentuniformly spaced coil turns, the feed mechanism is arranged to advancethe guide means 93 progressively in a direction parallel to the mandrel.To this end, the feed mechanism comprises a shaft 93 slidingly supportedat one end in the pedestal 79 in spaced parallelV relationship withrespect to the mandrel. The shaft 93 has a threaded portion 95 extendingthrough a nut 97 turnably mounted in the frame 3| and drivinglyconnected with the drive mechanism 35. 'I'he shaft 93 is held fromturning by means of an arm 99 which is fastened to the shaft and has aportion slidable on a rod ||l| which forms a part of the frame 3|extending parallel to the shaft 93. The nut 97 is driven by the maindriving motor 37 through the transmission means 39, including thereversing gears 35. When the nut is driven in one direction, itsengagement with the threaded rod portion 95 will cause the rod to travelaxially in one direction, the movement of the shaft 93 being reversedwhen the nut is driven in the opposite direction, which is accomplishedby operating the reversing gears 435.

The shaft 93 carries the guide means 93 at spaced intervals thereon. Theguide means each comprise a pair of pulleys |93 rotatably supported onan arm |05 which in turn is rigidly secured on the shaft 93. As a matterof convenience in mounting the arm 99 and the arms |05 on the shaft, inaxially adjustable position therealong, said shaft isprovided with alongitudinal spline groove |97, while the arms 99 and |95 have hubs toslidingly embrace the shaft. The hubs are provided with fastening screws|09 arranged .diametrically therein which bear at their inner endspreferably on spline members adapted to extend in the groove |07 andanchor the arms in place when the fastening screws |99 are tightened.

The control means B3, heretofore mentioned for controlling the drivemotor 37, preferably comprises an electrical coil ||l and a pair oflimit switches ||3 and H9 secured upon the pedestal 79 adjacent theshaft 93. The shaft 93 on opposite sides of the pedestal 79, in which itis journaled, carries support members ||5 comprising hubs similar to thehubs of the arms |95 and secured in like fashion on the shaft 93 bymeans of set screws. These hubs ||5 carry adustable switch actuatingstops ||7 and ||8 in position to actuate the switches ||3 and H9,respectively at the opposite ends of the layer winding stroke of theshaft 93. The switches ||3 and ||l are interconnected in an electricalsystem controlling the operation cf the driving motor 37 and serve tostop the motor at the conclusion of each layer Winding stroke of theshaft and may also serve to aid in the control of the reversing gears95. The support members H5 also carry blades ||9 in spaced-apart,axially adjustable relationship, these blades being supported inposition to be carrie-d by the shaft 93 across the end of the coil ateach end of the layer winding stroke. These blades are inclined andserve to progressively decrease the reluctance of the magnetic circuitof the coil and thus increase the impedance of coil as the shaft 93approaches the end of its layer winding stroke. The coil is electricallyconnected in the control circuit of the motor 37 so that increasedimpedance of the coil automatically reduces the speed of the motor ateach end of the layer winding stroke of the shaft 93.

The drive mechanism The main driving motor 37 is connected to turn themandrel and operate the traverse mechanism through the driving means 35which is preferably mounted on and partly enclosed in a gear box on theframe 3|. As shown, the drive means comprises a drive shaft |2|, one endof which forms the headstock 73 of the mandrel. The other end of theshaft |2| is provided with a pulley |23 drivingly connected with themotor as by means of a belt |25, although other suitable drivingconnection may, of course, be employed. The mandrel is thus driven bythe motor through the belt and pulleys and the shaft |2|. In order toactuate the traverse mechanism, the shaft |2|, in the illustratedembodiment, is provided with a worm |27 which drives a wheel |29. Thiswheel is drivingly connected by intermeshed gears |3l, |33 and |35 witha beveled pinion |31. This pinion is disposed in position to engageeither one of two beveled gears |39 which comprise the reversing gearst5. The gears |39 are mounted on a common sleeve |90 which is splinedupon a shaft lil for sliding movement therealong so that either one orthe other of the gears |39 may be drivingly engaged. with the pinion|37. The pinion |37, of course, is driven by the motor 37, through theshaft |2|. When the motor 37 is turning in one direction, the shaft |ll|will be driven in one direction when one of the gears |39 drivinglyengages the pinion |37, but will turn in the opposite direction when theother of said gears |39 is drivingly connected with the pinion |37. Theshaft Ii carries a sprocket wheel |153 drivingly connected, as by meansof a chain |45 or other suitable drive means, with a sprocket |47fastened to the traverse nut 97.

The gears I3 I, |33, and |35 are preferably made interchangeable withsimilar replacement gears having either a greater or a lesser number ofteeth, in order to allow for changing the relative speed of the traversemechanism with respect to the driven speed of the mandrel. By thuschanging the relative speed of the mandrel and traverse mechanism, thespacement of adjacent turns in windings applied on the mandrel may bechanged in order to spread the windings further apart, or to wind themmore closely together as desired, and to impart operating exibility inthe winding mechanism so that work material of large and small gauge maybe accommodated in the same machine.

The reversing mechanism In order to actuate the reversing gears' |39,the common sleeve |40 on which the same are mounted is provided with atubular collar |49 surrounding the sleeve between the facing beveledgears |39. This collar has a radially extending actuating finger |5| andforms a gear shifting yoke. The gear box carries a shaft |53 journaledin and extending through a wall of the box adjacent the actuating nger|5|, and said shaft |53 is formed with an arm |55 having an opening forreceiving the actuating nger |5 By turning the shaft |53 in onedirection or the other, the gear ychanging yoke |99 may be moved tothrow either one of the gears |39 into engage-- ment with the pinion|37.

In order to shift the gears, the shaft |53 is yieldingiy connected to aworm wheel |57 drivingly engaged by a worm |59 on a shaft ISI which isdriven by the reversing motor 47 through a suitable gear train |63. Thereversing motor is preferably mounted on the outer walls of the gear boxadjacent the shaft |53. I'he wheel |51 carries a block of insulatingmaterial |65 forming a mounting for a flexible radially extending switchblade |61 which turns with the wheel I 51 between a pair of spaced-apartfacing switch contacts |68 and |69. These contacts are carried in apreferably insulated mounting |19 on the walls of the gear box and areinterconnected in the control circuit of the motor 41 s0 that after thesame has been started to shift the reversing gears I5, the motor willcontinue to turn until the completion of the gear shifting operation inone direction, at which instant the motor will be stopped by theengagement of the switch blade |61 with one of the switch contacts |69or |69. Thereafter, when the motor 41 is started it will run in theopposite direction to again shift the reversing gears, the motor willcontinue to operate in such reversed direction until the switch blade|61 engages the other one of said switch contacts |68 or |69, therebystopping the motor at the completion of the gear shifting operation.

The worm wheel |51 preferably is not fast on the shaft but is drivinglyconnected thereto by a fitting |1| having a hub secured to the shaftadjacent the wheel and a pair of arms |12 extending adjacent a face ofthe wheel. The wheel has a finger |13 extending between the arms |12,and the arms have spring pressed shoes |14 on opposite sides of thefinger. This arrangement will allow the worm wheel |51 and switch |61 tobe turned by the motor even though the shaft |53 be prevented fromturning, as by faulty meshing of the reversinggears |39 with the pinion|31. Under such condition, the top of a tooth of the pinion may, for aninstant during the gear shifting operation, register lwith and engagethe top of a tooth of the gear |39 being meshed. Since the pinion |31 isdriven, it will almost instantly advance with respect to the gear |39and become meshed therewith, but the yielding connection afforded by thefitting |12 allows the gear wheel to override on the shaft, thusprotecting the transmission means between the motor 41 and the shaft |53against damage during the interval when the teeth of the pinion |31 anda gear |39 may come into jamming engagement during the gear shiftingoperation.

The shaft |53 also carries a radial arm |15 fixed thereon, which armextends between a pair of adjustable stops |16 and |11 in a bracket onthe gear box. The stops are adjusted to engage the arm |15 and limit itsmovement in either direction to thus limit the shifting movement of thereversing gears |39, so that the same may be in proper relative positionwith respect to the pinion |31 when drivingly connected therewith.

The turn counter and speed adjusting device The turn counter 59 andthespeed adjusting device 6| are preferably mounted in a suitable housingor support on or adjacent the control panel I3. The turn counter maycomprise a pair of pointers |16 driven by a suitable reducing gear trainactuated by a preferably flexible shaft directly connected to the shaft|2|. The pointers may turn in front of an indicator dial graduated toshow revolutions of the mandrel and the gear train may cause one of thepointers to make one compiete rotation, with respect to the dial, forevery one hlmdred turns of the mandrel, the other pointers being gearedto make one complete rotation for every ten thousand turns.

The speed adjusting device 6| may comprise a resistor |19 havingcircularly arranged conacts |30 and a pivoted arm |8| to progressivelyengage the contacts and thus alter the resistance in circuit between thearm and one end of the resistor as the arm is moved. The arm may bedrivingly connected with the shaft |2| through the gear trainwhichdrives the counter device 59. ../s shown, the arm is driven by saidgear train through a. gear |82 and a friction clutch |83 which allowsthe handle to be set manually to any desired position by slipping theclutch.

The delivery mechanism In order to feed the work material 55 from thestorage reels 49 for winding on the mandrel, I provide a delivery unit53 at each of the several winding stations. These delivery units eachinclude a motor 5| for driving an associated reel 49 in one direction todeliver the work material or wire therefrom for winding on the mandrel,and, in the reverse direction',` to rewind wire upon the reel. A spring203 in each unit 53 maintains a substantially uniform predeterminedtension in the work material or wire during the operation of the windingmechanism to deliver Work material for winding on the mandrel, and alsoto maintain uniform tension while the material is retracted from themandrel and rewound on the storage reel 49. Each unit 53 also includes ahighly sensitive quick acting mechanism to deliver work material to themandrel as demanded and to rewind work material as rapidly as it issupplied.

To this end, the motor, which may be powered from a suitable electricpower line comprising conductors A and C, is controlled by motorreversing and speed varying means operating under the control of atension member which moves in response to differences in the linearspeed of the work material or Wire at the mandrel and at the storagereel. When such speed difference results in an increase in length of thework material between reel and mandrel, the tension member will move inone direction and change the motor speed, thus compensating for suchspeed differences. Conversely, ywhen the speed difference results in adecrease in length of the material, the tension member will move in theopposite direction and change the motor speed to compensate for thespeed difference. This tension member may comprise a pivoted tension arm|91 yieldingly urged upwardly by the spring 293 and carrying a pulley|99 over which the work material 55 may travel toward or away from themandrel. The spring 293 maintains a uniform tension on the wire 55through the medium of the tension arm |91.

In rewinding work material on the reel, the speed control operationreverses, undue length of the wire being compensated for by speeding themotor, while insuflicient length is relieved by slowing the motor.

The speed control means will accurately com pensate for gradual changesof linear speed of the Work material at the spool relative to the linearspeed of the work material at the mandrel. However, the speed controlapparatus may lose control in response to a sudden, relatively largechange in linear speed of work material at either of these two points.In order to eliminate this loss of control, I provide, in addition tothe progressively acting speed control, a separate quick acting means,responsive to sudden movement of the tension arm, for changing the speedof the motor more rapidly than is accomplished by the progressivelyacting means. The quick acting means operates during relatively shortperiod of time and in respon'e to movement of the member |97 due to arapid change in the linear speed differential of the work material atthe reel and at the mandrel.

My tension device, therefore, comprises a motor driven reel fordelivering or rewinding the Work material and having progressivelyacting means for controlling the motor speed to maintain substantiallyuniform delivery of the work material as it is delivered from, or as itis re- Wound on the reel. The control also includes quick acting meansfor controlling the motor in response to rapid fluctuations in workmaterial delivery. The control also includes means fully andinstantaneously automatic for causing delivery of the work materialmerely as and when work material is wound upon the receiving mandrel andfor causing rewinding of the Work material on the reel as the same isunwound from the mandrel.

The unit 53 comprises a pedestal |05 which supports an assemblyincluding a frame |37 forming a journal for a shaft |09. This shaft ispreferably mounted in roller bearings and has a projecting end for thedemountable reception of the supply reel 159. The frame |87 also forms amounting for the reversible reel driving motor which is drivinglyconnected with the shaft |99 as by sprockets |9| and a chain |92. Theunit 53 also includes the control mechanism for regulating the speed anddirection of the motor 5| and for maintaining the required delivery ofthe work material 55.

The control mechanism is preferably mounted in a box enclosed frame |93carried on the pedestal |95 and the electrical connections are shown inFig. 21.

The frame |93 carries the guide pulley |95 and the pivoted arm |97 whichcarries the pulley |99 and forms the tension member heretoforementioned. The arm |97 is suitably mounted on a shaft 20| which iscarried by the frame |93, preferably in roller bearings. The workmaterial extends from the reel 99 over the pulley |95 and the pulley|99, thence around the guide pulleys |03 to the mandrel. In order totension the work material 55, the arm |97 is yieldingly suspended on aspring 203 by means of a belt 205 which is connected on a pulley 206 onthe shaft 20|. The spring yieldingly urges the arm about its pivot in adirection to tension the work material. In order to insure properdelivery of the work material, the control means is arranged to changethe speed of the drive motor 5| whenever the delivery rate varies fromthe desired optimum, this variation being evidenced by movement of thearm |97. The control means also operates to reverse the motor under somecircumstances. To this end, the arm |97, at the pivot 20|, carriescircular switch means 207 comprising switches 208 and 2| 0. Theseswitches comprise blades 209 on the arm in position to progressivelywipe switch contacts 2|| mounted in a plate of insulating materialfastened on the frame |93 adjacent the pivot 20|. The contacts 2|2 andtheir cooperating blade 209 form the progressively acting switch means2|0 for controlling motor speed, while the contacts 2|! and cooperatingblade form the switch 208 which controls the reversal of the motor 5|.

The arm |97 also carries a mounting plate 2|5 on which is fixed asingle-pole, double-throw contact switch 2|7 having contact blades 2|9and 223 and a pole blade 22| movable to make contact either with theblade 2|9 or the blade 223. This switch 2|7 forms the quick actingcontrol means for rapidly changing the motor speed in response to suddenand substantial changes in work material delivery.

The plate 2|5 also carries another switch 224 comprising blades 225 and227, the latter being movable in one direction to engage, and in theother direction to release the blade 225. This switch 229 also comprisesquick acting means for reversing power flow to the motor to slow samedown for short periods upon occasion independently of switch 200.

The blades 22| and 227 are connected with yielding means tending to holdthe same stationary, the yielding means conveniently comprising adashpot on the frame |93. 'This dashpot tends to hold the switch blades22| and 227 stationary so that any sudden movement of the arm |97upwardly will close the blades 2|9 and 225 against the blades 22| and227, while sudden movement of the arm downwardly will close the blade2,23 against blade 22|.

There is also a safety switch 229 mounted on the frame |93 to stop themachine altogether in the event that the work material breaks or thereel 99 becomes empty, thus relieving the arm |97 of all tension. Theswitch 229 comprises a pair of contact blades 23| and 235 and a poleblade 233 normally biased to make contact with the blade 23| so that theswitch 23|-233 is normally closed. This switch is in the power supplyline to the motor 5| and its control apparatus, the blade 233 beingconnected to one side C of the supply circuit. Upon release of alltension on the arm |97, the same will swing under the influence of thespring 203 to a position in which a pin or finger 236 on the arm engagesthe pole blade 233 of the switch and moves it out of contact with theblade 23|, thus breaking the motor power supply circuit, and throwing itinto contact with the blade 235 which is connected byv means of aconductor 237 in the control circuit of the motor 37 and arranged tostop said motor when the blade 235 is connected to the line byengagement with the blade 233.

Operation of the motor 5| is controlled by a relay switch 233 havingblades 239, 29| and 263, each cooperating with a pair of contacts underthe control of a relay coil 265. The blades 239 and 29| cooperate withswitch contacts connected with the armature 255 of the motor 5| so thatthe motor 5| normally turns in a direction to deliver work material fromthe reel 99 so long as the coil 205 is de-energized. When the coil 295is energized, however, the motor will turn in a reverse direction torewind work material on the reel 99. The blade 239 is connected with oneside A of the motor power supply circuit through the eld winding 257 ofthe motor 5|. The switch blade 20| is connected with one side of atapped motor control resistor 259 comprising a pair ol resistanceelements mounted on the frame |93. tbe other side of said resistor beingconnected, through the switch 23| 233, with the other side C of thepower supply circuit.

While any suitable speed control may be utilized, I prefer to controlthe motor speed in accordance with my present invention by varying theeffective resistance of resistor means 259 in the motor power circuit,this being a convenient method for varying the motor speed; and I preferto vary such speed controlling resistance by use 13 o1' progressivelyoperating switch means 2|0 ac tuated by the tension member in responseto variations in delivery of the work material as it travels toward oraway from the mandrel.

The blade 209 of the switch 2|0 is electrically connected with that side.of the resistor 259 which is connected to the power line C through theswitch 23|-233, and the contacts 2| 2 of switch 2| 0 are interconnectedwith taps on the resistor 259 so that, depending upon the nuctuatingposition of the blade 209, variable portions of the resistor 259 may becut out of the motor circuit from time to time. The contacts 2|2include' intermediate contacts 26| and 262 which are not connected, thesame comprising idle contacts in position for engagement by the blade209 when the arm |91 is in an intermediate operating position occupiedby it while the mandrel is stationary. On either side of the contacts26| and 262 are contacts 263 and 264 which are electricallyinterconnected and connected with a tap 265 on the resistor 259 at aselected distance from that end of the resistor which is connectedthrough the switch 22H-233 with the power supply circult. Outwardly ofthe contacts 263 and 264 are contacts 261 and 268 which are electricallyinterconnected and connected with another tap 269 on the resistor 259 ata point between the tap 265 and that end of the resistor which isconnected with the motor through the switch blade 24|. Outwardly of thecontacts 261 and at each end of the contact set 2|2 are contacts 21| and212 which are electrically interconnected and connected with that end ofthe resistor which is connected through the switch blade 24| with themotor.

This arrangement is such that when the arm |91 is floating in anintermediate position with the switch blade 209 engaging either of thecontacts 26| or 262 the entire resistance of the element 259 will be inseries with the motor 5| across the supply line and the motor will besubjected to minimum torque and may remain stationary. When, however,the arm has shifted from the intermediate position in either directionfrom contacts 26| the resistance of the unit 259 in the motor circuitwill be progressively cut down and motor speed progressively increasedby contact of the blade 209 successively with the switch contacts 263,261 and 21|, when moving in one direction and with the contacts 264, 268and 212 when moving in the other direction. The resistance 259 isentirely short-circulted when the blade 209 engages the contacts 21| orthe contacts 212 at which times the motor will operate at top speed.

The third blade 243 of the relay switch 298 normally engages a contactwhich is electrically connected with the blade 223 of the switch 2|1,but, when the coil 245 is energized, the blade 243 will engage a switchcontact that is connected to the blade 2|9 of the switch 2|1. The quickacting means may conveniently comprise a switch 2|1 connected to cut outfrom the motor circuit a substantial amount of resistance in addition tothat controlled by the progressively operating means; and while, in somecircumstances, it may be desirable to cause the quick acting means toadd resistance in the circuit in order to slow the motor down, I have inthe present embodiment found it necessary only to arrange the quickacting means in such a way as to cut out resistance in order to speed upthe motor, since I provide for slowing the motor down when necessary bymomentary power reversal on the motor by plac` ing the relay operatedreversing switch 238 under the control of the quick acting switch 224.

The switch 224 is connected in parallel rela'.- tionship with the switch208, and these switches serve to control the relay coil 245, one end ofwhich is connected to one side oi the supply circuit and the other endof which is connected to the switch blade 225 and with those contacts2|| of the switch which are engaged by the switch blade 209 when theoating member is riding in the position occupied by it when the mandrelis stopped or is turning in a direction to unwind work material forrewinding on the reel. The switch blades 269 and 221 are connectedthrough the switch 23|-233 with the other side of the power supplycircuit.v The contact set 2|| comprises active elements which areelectrically interconnected and connected with the relay coll 245, saidactive contact elements extending from intermediate switch position,opposite the contact 26| of switch 2|0, to one end of the contact set,so that the blade 209 will engage these active contact elements andenergize the relay coil whenever the arm |91 moves into the intermediatezone, upon stoppage of the mandrel, and

beyond such intermediate zone when work material is being released fromthe mandrel.

The remaining contacts of the set 2 are idle contacts and are engaged bythe blade 209 without eiect upon the relay coil 245 whenever the arm |91is in the position determined by mandrel movement in a direction to windthe work material thereon. Under the control of the switch 208,therefore, the relay coil will become energized whenever the blade 209engages the active contacts but will be and remain de-energized so longas the blade 209 engages the inactive contacts.

When the mandrel is turning to wind material thereon, the arm |91 willbe moved downwardly by the work material against the tension of thespring 203. When the mandrel is turned to unwind the work material, thearm will move upward. I utilize this movement to control tbe reversal ofthe motor through the switch 208 and the reversing switch 238 so thatthe motor will turn the reel to deliver work material or to rewind thesame on the reel depending upon the direction of rotation of themandrel. So long as the mandrel is winding up the work material, thefloating member |91 will holdvthe switch 288 in position opposite theinactive contacts 2|| thus maintaining the reversing means inactive sothat the reel motor mayonerate in a direction to deliver the workmaterial for winding on the mandrel. Thus, the action of the reel todeliver or to rewind the work material is fully automatic and isinstantly responsive to the mandrel. When the mandrel is turning to windthe work material thereon, the reel motor turns the reel to deliver workmaterial under uniform tension as fast as demanded by the mandrel. Whenthe mandrel stops. the arm moves upwardly to a position reversingdrivingr toroue on the motor and then, if the mandrel continues toremain stationary, the arm |91 will be driven down slightly by thesuccessive reversal of toroue on the reel motor. Such arm movement willimmediately actuate the switch 208 to tie-energize the reversing switch238 and the arm will again move upwardly. This cycle which alternatelyreverses the driving toroue on the stationary reel motor will continueso long as the mandrel remains stationary. the control apparatus, so tosneak. marking.r time in readiness to start the reel motor oif in eitherdirection. If the mandrel resumes its winding motion, after stopping,the reel motor reversing means is instantly de-energized and the reeldelivers the work material to the mandrel; but if, after stopping, themandrel is started in a direction to unwind work material therefrom, theblade 209 of switch 208 will engage the active contacts 2|| and willenergize the reversing switch so that the reel motor will instantlyoperate in reverse to rewind the work material on the reel as fast as itis released from the mandrel, such rewinding being accomplished atsubstantially uniform tension maintained in the work material by thespring 203.

The relay coil 205 will be energized by the switch 220 instantly whenthe arm |97, regardless of its position, moves sharply in a directionrepresenting sudden decrease in delivery of the work material. If thishappens when the material is being paid out from the reel, the motorwill be instantly slowed to decrease delivery of the work material as aresult of the reversal of power thereon due to operation of the relayswitch. Sudden increases in delivery of the work material duringrewinding thereof on the reel will also result in closure of the switch220, but since, during rewinding, the relay coil 205 is energized by theswitch 208, closure of the switch 220 will not affect the motor.However, increases in delivery of the work material during rewinding iscorrected by causing the motor to speed up. This is accomplished by theclosure of switch 2I9--22I which cuts out of the motor circuit theresistance between the tap 265 and the end of the resistor 259 that isconnected to the switch blade 20|.

Electrical control and operation of the winding machine The main drivingmotor 31 is powered from a suitable line A-C, and I provide means forstarting, stopping, reversing, and controlling the speed of the motor 37under the control of the slow-down coil I I, the stop switches I I3, IIll, the manually operable starting, stopping and inching switches 215,217, 279 which are disposed on the control panel 08 mounted on the frame3|, the speed regulator means 6|, and the switch 233-235 in the tensioncontrol unit |93. While any suitable or preferred system for controllingthe motor 31 may be employed, I prefer to control the motor by means ofa manually operable reversing switch 283 located on the panel and avariable reactance 285 in the circuit of the motor.

Control of the speed of the motor 37 is accomplished by altering theimpedance in the reactor 285, as by varying the D. C. input to asaturating coil 287 which is inductively coupled with the coil 205 andwhich serves to control the saturation of the core of the reactor. Inorder to control the saturation of the reactor, I prefer to utilize anelectronic system 293, operating in conjunction with a generator 29|,which is driven by the motor 37 and which 'produces alternatingr currentpower, the voltage of which varies directly with the speed at which thegenerator is driven, within its operating speed range. The generator 29|is connected to control direct current flow in the winding 287 by meansof the electronic system 293 which serves to amplify and rectifyalternating current power delivered from the generator, filter' saidrectified power and utilize the same to control flow of direct currentto the saturating winding 287 of the motor control reactor, and socontrol the impedance of the reactor. As the impedance of the reactorwinding 285 is increased by decreased direct current lf3 flow in thesaturating winding 287, the speed of the motor 37 will decrease, andvice versa.

'Ihe electrical equipment and connections for operating the motor 37 areshown in the wiring diagram comprising Fig. 22 in which the armature 30|and the eld winding 303 of the motor 37 are shown connected in serieswith the reactor winding 285 and the power source A-C. The armaturewinding 30| of the motor is connected in the motor circuit by means ofthe manual switch means 283, which serves to reverse the connection ofthe armature winding in the circuit at the discretion of the operator.

The motor 37, as shown more particularly in Fig. 1l, is provided withsuitable solenoid operated brake means-300 for aiding in speed control.The brake means 30G, as shown, comprise a brake disc 305 on the motorshaft and a pivoted brake shoe 306 in position to be pressed against thedisc 305 to apply brake action. Spring means normally urges the brakeshoe toward braking position, but the brake shoe is connected, as by anactuating rod 307, with a brake releasing solenoid 303.

The generator comprises eld windings 309 and a generator winding 3| I,both of which are mounted on a suitable laminated core. The generatorincludes a rotor 3|3 comprising a flat metallic disc provided at itsperiphery with a plurality of radially extending teeth SI5 so that, thefield winding 309 being energized from a suitable direct current source,rotation of the rotor 3| 3 will generate alternating current in thewinding 3| I, the electrical potential of which varies with the speed ofthe driven rotor 3I3. Increase in the generator potential, due toincrease in speed of the driving motor 37, is utilized through theelectronic transfer circuit 293 to increase the impedance of the winding285, and vice versa, to thus maintain the speed of the motor 37substantially constant under normal operating conditions regardless ofmotor load.

The output of the generator 29| is delivered through a coaxial cable 377and a resistor condenser network 3I9 to a control grid of a pentode tube295. Operation of this tube 295 is under the control of the transfersystem 293, which operates in manner hereinafter set forth to apply acontrol bias on the control grid of the amplifier tube 295 through theconductor 335. The plate circuit of the tube 295 in turn controls thegrid of a triode 32 I.

The energy output*I from the triode 32| is delivered through atransformer 323 to a rectifier comprising a diode tube 325, therebyproducing direct current having voltage proportional to generator speed.This direct current is filtered through a filter circuit 327 anddelivered, through a pentode tube 329, to a control circuit 330comprising a pair of tubes 33| and 333 by applying the output of tube329 to vary the potential of the grids of tubes 33| and 333.

The output of the tube 33| is connected to the saturating winding 287 ofthe motor control reactor 285. The reactive condition of the reactance285 thus is responsive to variations in potential delivered by thegenerator 29|, the impedance of the windings 285 being increased to slowup the motor as the generator voltage increases, and vice versa. 'I'hiswill normally result in substantially constant motor speed under varyingload conditions.

V Speed control accomplished in this fashion is supplemented by the useof the brake 304 which is operated by the solenoid 308 which in turn is17 actuated by the tube 333. When the solenoid 399 is energized, itretracts the brake shoe from a brake wheel or disc on the shaft of themotor 31, the brake shoe being normally spring urged to engage the brakewheel whenever the ouput from the tube 333 falls below a predeterminedvalue, meaning that motor speed has increased above normal.

Changes in speed are obtained by varying the grid bias on the iirstpentode 295. To this end the grid circuit of the tube 295 is operativelyassociated with an electrical translation system 299 controlled by theslow-down coil I|| and the speed regulator means 9|, and operative tovary the bias on the grid of the tube 295 in order to vary the motorspeed.

A bias of a denite value on`the grid of the tube 295 determines the topspeed of the motor 31. So long as the motor-generator speed is be lowsuch speed. the combined effect of bias and generator voltage willincrease the saturation of the reactor and allow the motor to accelerateto the speed limit determined by the amount of bias on the tube 295.When motor speed tends to increase above such speed, the combined effectof generator voltage and the definite bias :iso to desaturate thereactor and slow the motor By varying the bias, the average saturationof the reactor will be varied and the motor speed will be changed.

Speed control through the transfer system 299 is accomplished by meansof a bridge circuit 339 comprising a ilxed resistance 34|. an adjustableresistance 343, a fixed reactance 345, and the variable speedcontrolling reactance coil lll. The bridge circuit is powered by atransformer 345, the primary winding of which is energized from thepower line AC, and the secondary of which is connected in the circuitbetween the resistors and the reactors. The resistor side of the circuitis grounded while the reactor side is connected to the speed controllingmeans 5| which comprises an adjustable resistor. This resistor, in turn,is connected to a pair of adjustable resistors 341 and 349 arranged inparallel and connected through a switch 35| to the control grid of anamplifier tube 355. The output of this tube 355 is connected through atransformer 351 to a rectifier tube 359 which delivers direct current onthe conductor 335 for the control of the ampliner tube 295. It will beseen that the transfer circuit 299 will apply direct current as apreselected variable bias on the control grid of the amplifier 235. Theimpedance in the coil I I increases as the traverse mechanism approachesthe end of a layer winding stroke of the winding ,machina and thisincrease tends to vary the balance of the bridge and serves to vary thevoltage normally applied by the bridge circuit through the transfersystem 299 upon the control grid of the tube 355. thereby varying thebias on the grid of the tube 295 to cause the motor 31 to slow down.

The voltage normally applied through the bridge circuit 333 is variableunder the control of the resistor or regulator means 6|, which may beset to cause the motor 31 to operate at any desired speed within therange of the control. The resistor 5| is preferabb' provided with aseries of taps representing the desired motor speed for the variouswinding diameters which are presented on the mandrel as successivelayers of the work material are applied thereon.

The voltage applied from the bridge circuit is also under the controleither of the resistor 341 or the resistor 349, depending upon theposition of the switch 35|. These adjustable resistors 341 and 349 aremounted on the control panel 40 where they are manually adjustable.'I'he switch 35| normally places the resistor 349 in the control circuitso that the normal speed of the motor 31 can be adjusted by means of theresistor 349. When the operating coil C-3 of the switch 35| isenergized, as by the closure of the manually operable jogging or inchingswitch 219 on the panel 49, the adjustable resistor 341 will be includedin the circuit and may be manually set on the control panel to adjustthe motor for operation at slow inching or jogging speed in winding thelast few turns of work material in a wound layer.

'Ihe power supply for the system preferably comprises a pair ofconventional full wave rectiilers 351 and 359. 'I'hese rectiflers areenergized by means of transformers 31| and 313, the primary windings ofwhich are connected to the power line A-C. said transformers having eacha main winding 315 for delivering power to the rectifier with which itis associated, an auxiliary winding 311 for energizing the cathode ofits associated rectifier, and another auxiliary winding 319 for thepurpose of energizing the ilaments of the vacuum tubes in the system.The transformer 31| and its associated rectifier 351 are connected todeliver direct current power between the grounded side of the transfersystems 293 and299 and the high side 38| of said systems, the winding319 of the transformer 31| supplying filament power to the tubes 295,32|, 325, 355 and 359. The high side 38| of the systems 293 and 299forms the low side of the power amplifying system 330 comprising theamplifier tubes 33| and 333. The transformer 313 and its associatedrectier 359 are connected to deliver direct current power between theconductor 38| comprising the low side of the power amplifying system,and a conductor 385 comprising the high side of said system. Theauxiliary winding 319 of the transformer 313 supplies filament currentfor the amplifiers 33| and 333. The conductor 39| comprising the highside of the transfer system 293 is connected through an adjustableresistor 391 to supply voltage of an intermediate value for applicationon corresponding grids of the pentode tubes 295 and 329, while directcurrent for energizing the ileld winding 309 of the generator is derivedfrom the conductor 39| through the resistor 391 and another resistor 399in series with the resistor 391.

The control of the entire system is accomplished by means of a controlsystem 39| shown in the diagram Fig. 20 and comprising switches andswitch operating coils arranged in circuits between the line conductorsA-C. These control circuits include a circuit 393 comprising a normallyopen switch S-I-A, a spool-empty relay coil C-I, and a manually operablenormally closed spool-empty clearing switch 395.

The control system of the tension device 53 is preferably connected inthe control system 39| by means of a connector plug 391 connecting theswitch blade 233 of said system with the line conductor C, the relaycoil 245 and the motor field coil 251 with the line conductor A, and theconductor 231 in the circuit 993 between the switch S-I-A and the coilC-I.

'I'he control system 39| also includes a circuit 399 comprising a pairof normally closed switches S-l-B and S-4 in series, one of saidswitches being connected to the line conductor A and the other enigconnected with a pair of branch circuits I130| and 1103. The circuit 90|includes a relay switch coil C-2 under the control of the normallyclosed manually operablestop switch 211 which is connected to the lineconductor C through the manually operable normally open start switch 215and a normally open relay switch S-2A in parallel with the start switch215.

The branch circuit 403 includes a relay switch coil C-3, a normallyclosed switch S2B and the normally open manually operable job switch219.

' The control system 39| includes control circuits 405 for the gearshifting motor l1 comprising a transformer 401, the primary winding ofwhich is connected between the line conductors A-C and the secondary ofwhichv is connected through a switch operating relay coil C- to one sideof the motor 111. The motor 41 has left and right-hand drive connections409 and 4H through which the same is electrically connected. The circuit409 contains a normally closed switch S5 and one of the limit switches II3 in the traverse mechanism, the circuit BI! containing a normallyclosed switch S-B and the other traverse limit switch H4.

The control system also comprises circuits M3 comprising relay switchcoils C- and C-G, and

. normally open limit switches |68 and |59 in the gear shiftingmechanism.

The control system also includes a circuit M5 comprising a switchoperating coil C-1 (Fig. 20) which when energized opens the normallyclosed switch S-1 (Fig. 22) in order to start the motor 31. The coil isconnected across the line A-C in series with a pair of normally opencontrol switches S-Z-C and S-3 which close when either of the coils C-2or C-3 are energized in the control circuits 40| and 303 by operation ofthe switches controlling the coils C-2 and C-3.

The stop, start and inching switches 211, 215 and 219, the clearingswitch 395, and the power supply disconnect switch lI8 (Fig. 20) aremanually operable and preferably located on the panel 40 along with theadjustable resistors 391 and 339 (Fig. 22).

The switches S-I-A and S-I-B are relay operated by the coil C-I. Theswitches S-2-A, S-2-B and S-2-C are operated by the relay coil C-2.Likewise the switches S-S, S-G, S-5, S-B and S-1 are operatedrespectively by the coils C-3, C-3, C-5, C- and C-1.

Operation It will be seen vfrom the foregoing that the apparatusoperates to wind the wire 55 on the mandrel means 33 by actuating themotive means 35 in one direction, the motive means being operable in thereverse direction to unwind the wire work material from the mandrel.Operation of the driving means 35 also actuates the traverse means 3|which guides the work material as it Winds upon or is wound oi from themandrel.

The wire stock material is delivered to or withdrawn from the mandrel,as rapidly as demanded by the winding or unwinding rotation of themandrel, by virtue of the reel driving motors 5| and the associatedcontrol system shown diagrammatically in Figs. 20, 21, and 22.

Upon the closure of the start switch 215, the power supply disconnectswitch (M8 being closed and the stop switch 211 and switches S-I-B andS- being normally closed, the coil C-2 becomes energized closingswitches S-Z-A- and S-2-C, and opening switch S-2-B.

Closure of switch S-Z-A holds the coil C-2 in circuit even after themanual starting switch 215 is released.

Closure of switch S2C energizes coil C-1 thus opening switch S-1 andallowing the motor 91 to start, under the control of the generator andelectronic systems 293 and 29S.

When the traverse mechanism reaches the end of a winding stroke one orthe other of switches |13 and H4 will close energizing the reversingmotor 41 through the associated switch S-5 or S-. The reversing motorwill operate until one of switches |68 or |69 is closed at theconclusion of the gear shift operation, thus energizing coil C-5 or C-Gto open the corresponding switch in one of the circuits 409 or MI thusstopping the motor 41. As soon as the gear shifting motor 31 isenergized, the coil C-4 is also energized thus opening the switch S-4and de-energizing coils C-2 and C-3 thus opening switch S-Z-A,

closing switch S-2-B and opening switch S-2-C to stop motor 31 byde-energizing coil C-1 and consequently allowing switch S-1 (Fig. 22) toclose.

Stoppage of the mechanism at the end of each winding stroke is thusaccomplished by the switches I I3 and I I4 which also causes the motor41 automatically to reverse the traverse `mechanism ready for theapplication of a successive layer in the reverse direction.

A successive layer is applied merely by pressing the start button 215after the motor 41 has stopped through action of the coil C-1 andcorresponding switches, and after the resistor 6I has been adjusted toset the mandrel speed for the application of such successive layer.

When it becomes necessary to inch the machine, the same is first stoppedby opening switch 211 to de-energize coil C-2. This will ordinarily bedone when the machine has wound somewhat less than the desired number ofturns as shown by the indicator 59. If the machine has overrun it may beinched in reverse by throwing switch 283 to reverse motor 31.

Pressing the inching switch 219 energizes the coil C-3, the switch S-2-Bbeing closed when coil C-2 is de-energized. The' coil C-3, when thusenergized by closure of switch 219, closes switch S-3, energizes coilC-1 to open switch S-1 and allow motor 31 to turn. The coil C-3,however, also operates switch V35| in the control system 299 to placethe inching resistance 341 in action thus increasing negative bias onthe tube 295 and causing the motor 31 to turn slowly at inching speed.The inching operation continues so long as the operator of the machineholds down the switch 219 and stops as soon as the switch is released tode-energize coil C-3, open switch S3, de-energize coil C-1 and closeswitch S- It is thought that the invention and its numerous attendantadvantages will be fully understood from the foregoing description, andit is obvious that numerous changes may be made in the form,construction and arrangement of the several parts without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the invention, or sacrificing any of itsattendant advantages, the form herein disclosed being a preferredembodiment for the purpose of illustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A winding machine comprising a sectional mandrel, motor means forturning the mandrel in one direction to wind flexible work materialthereon and in the reverse direction to release work material therefrom,delivery means for applying or retracting work material to or from themandrel at a plurality of winding zones, said

